This is a wonderful activity to enjoy when flowers and vegetation are in full bloom. Have the children go and collect interesting items from the yard. Older children can take scissors with them and cut leaves, flowers, wild berries, and other items from shrubs. Pine cones, pretty rocks, grass, and more can be included. It is a beautiful collection of whatever the children find interesting and pretty. The items can be added to a pot and stirred for pretend Garden Salad or add water to create an imaginative Garden Soup.

Nature Collage Variation

After playing with the pretend salad, you can extend the activity and fun by creating a nature collage. By adding glue and a paper plate, children can create their own artistic masterpiece with their found treasures. (If you are creating Garden Soup and want to create a collage, be sure to save some of the nature items before adding the water.)